Patriots News: Malcom Brown Contract Option Reportedly Declined

New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown will be a free agent next offseason after the team declined his fifth-year option for 2019 on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Brown has been a core part of the defense since the Patriots drafted him in the first round in 2015, starting 37 games over the past three seasons. He has played 45 regular-season contests overall, totaling 8.5 sacks and an average of 49 tackles each year.

While it's often difficult to post eye-popping stats as an interior lineman, the 24-year-old has excelled against the run and has helped the Patriots remain elite defensively.     

The squad has ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in points allowed in each of the past three years, including in 2016, when the unit was No. 1 in the league on the way to a Super Bowl title.

After leading all defensive tackles on the roster with 50.66 percent of snaps last season, per Pro Football Reference, it's clear his role on the team is secure for 2018.

Despite his success, the Patriots haven't been afraid to let go of key defensive players, including Malcolm Butler, Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones, in recent years. Brown appears to be the next in a line of regulars to leave before getting a raise.